Classic Poem

Ye blooming young damsels give ear to my song,
'Tis of a gay lady both charming and young;
She fancied a soldier so gallant and free,
And vowed in her heart that his bride she would be.

When she saw this young man on his way to parade,
She called him aside and to him she said —
" I am a young lady, if you fancy me,
Your discharge I will purchase; and that speedily.

" For you are the man that I feel I adore —
'Tis for you that young Cupid has wounded me sore;
A lady I am and my fortune is great,
I'll make you the master of all mYestate."

" Dear honoured lady," this young man did say,
" I know not how soon we'll be marching away,
For we must obey when the rout, love, does come,
By the sound of a fife and the beat of a drum."

I'll away to my halls and there will I mourn,
Yet, hoping that soon the dear lad will return,
Neither noble nor squire my favour shall gain;
For my soldier that's absent a maid I'll remain.